Show-Me State Times

The Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Open Hands: Crafting the Spiritual," which explores themes of faith and spirituality through art made from everyday materials. The exhibition features works by artists such as Jenelle Esparza, Gabriel Garcia Roman, Beliz Iristay, Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt, Gwendolyn A. Magee, and Michael Velliquette. It will remain on display until May 19.

René Paul Barilleaux, head of curatorial affairs at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, organized the exhibition for MOCRA. Barilleaux will give a talk on April 14 at 2 p.m., where he will discuss his 40-year career in curating and his interest in craft materials. This event is free to attend and will be held in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium.

On May 17 from 5-7 p.m., David Brinker, director of MOCRA, along with staff from the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, will lead a tour discussing spirituality, culture, and identity as seen in two exhibitions: MOCRA's "Open Hands" and the Pulitzer's "Delcy Morelos: Interwoven." The evening begins at MOCRA and concludes at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation.

MOCRA also offers free Spotlight Tours focusing on pairs of artists featured in "Open Hands." These tours provide insights into specific artworks and are scheduled throughout April and May.

Established in 1993 within a former chapel used by Jesuits studying philosophy at Saint Louis University, MOCRA was the first museum to focus on interfaith perspectives in contemporary art. Through its programs and exhibitions, it aims to engage audiences with religious and spiritual themes while promoting interfaith dialogue.